H2S Safety and Emergency Response

Overview

Hydrogen sulphide is one of the most dangerous substances encountered in the oil and gas industry. It is toxic at low concentrations, quickly deadens the sense of smell, and has caused multiple fatalities in single incidents, often among people who went to help a collapsed colleague. This course gives supervisors, engineers and safety professionals the knowledge to manage H2S risk systematically rather than relying on individual awareness alone. Participants learn the properties and health effects of H2S, where it occurs in drilling, production, refining and wastewater operations, and how exposure limits and contingency planning zones are set. The programme covers fixed and portable detection, respiratory protection, safe work practices, emergency response and rescue, and the management of sour operations, including SO2 hazards from flaring and combustion.

Objectives

• Describe the properties, sources and health effects of H2S
• Apply occupational exposure limits and H2S risk assessment
• Select and maintain fixed and portable gas detection equipment
• Specify respiratory protection and verify its correct use
• Plan safe work practices for sour operations
• Develop H2S contingency and emergency response plans
• Lead safe rescue and evacuation during H2S releases

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course combines technical sessions with practical demonstrations of detectors and breathing apparatus where facilities allow. Participants calculate H2S concentrations and exposure zones, review detector layouts on facility drawings, and develop a contingency plan for a sour well or plant. Real incident investigations are analysed to understand why rescuers become victims. Table-top emergency exercises test decision making under time pressure. This is a supervisory course and complements, but does not replace, site-specific H2S certification.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Fees are in GBP. per delegate.

Certificate

Frequently asked questions